Just a few days before the entire 2026 NFL schedule was announced, we found out the Dallas Cowboys would be opening their campaign on the road against the New York Giants.
For Cowboys fans, this was about the best possible news they could've asked for to kick off schedule release week. A Week 1 matchup with the Giants was as close to a guaranteed victory the Cowboys could have hoped for months in advance.
However, one Giants expert doesn't exactly agree with that sentiment. Matt Sidney of FanSided's own GMEN HQ had this to say right after the news of Dallas' matchup at MetLife:
"The G-Men might be 1-11 against the Cowboys over their last 12 games, but don’t confuse what has happened with what is happening. There’s a changing of the guard in this rivalry, led by Jaxson Dart, who just so happens to be undefeated as the starting quarterback against America’s Team (1-0)."
The Dallas Cowboys are in position to win yet another Week 1 matchup with the Giants
As much as I love Sidney's work and his expertise when it comes to the Giants, there is one flaw here, and I think even he knows it.
Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart might be 1-0 against the Cowboys in his career, but that win also came in a Week 18 contest that saw Dak Prescott attempt only 11 passes before Joe Milton came in. Prescott had history to uphold against the Giants, but beyond that, he didn't need to play the entire game.
Let's put it this way: Jaydon Blue was the Cowboys' leading rusher and Ryan Flourney was the leading receiver. Do we think this game mattered much to Dallas?
Of course not.
Now, to give Sidney credit, he went on about the Giants' new era and, to an extent, he has a point:
"With an improved roster, coaching staff, and mindset, Big Blue feels more ready than ever to make an opening day statement in Week 1 of 2026. The fact it could come at the expense of the Cowboys is just icing on the cake."
The Giants do have a much-improved roster even compared to last season. But, over the last couple of years, they have steadily improved. They might have found a franchise quarterback in Dart -- if the youngster can learn to protect himself, that is.
Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers look like franchise cornerstones, but both are also coming off serious injury and might not be 100 percent in this one. So, the Cowboys could have a big advantage there, as well.
Their biggest advantage, of course, is the fact that Prescott has completely owned the Giants throughout his career, boasting a 14-3 record against (little) Big Blue. And it's hard to even count the 2025 season finale as a loss, given that Dallas sat Prescott for the second half.
New York might be ready to make a statement, but it isn't coming in Week 1 against these Cowboys.
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